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Podcasts Off-Ramp
How the cards work: inside Metro's TAP laboratory
Off-Ramp with John Rabe Hero Image
(
Dan Carino
)
Dec 15, 2012
Listen • 3:55
How the cards work: inside Metro's TAP laboratory
Off-Ramp producer Kevin Ferguson met with Metro's David Sutton--the head of the agency's TAP program--inside the lab where the transit pass was developed, tested, and reworked.
Beginning Wednesday, Los Angeles Metro subway train riders will need a plastic tap card to open turnstiles the ride the rails. Metro officials say requiring the card will eliminate freeloaders, who have not paid fares.
Off-Ramp producer Kevin Ferguson's TAP card. Smart. Simple. Secure. And not very clean.
(
Kevin Ferguson/KPCC
)

Off-Ramp producer Kevin Ferguson met with Metro's David Sutton--the head of the agency's TAP program--inside the lab where the transit pass was developed, tested, and reworked.

Nowadays, a one way fare on a Metro bus or train will run you $1.50. You can use cash, credit, or buy a pass--but one thing's certain: you're not getting a paper ticket. This past summer, Metro switched its entire fare system to plastic, refillable TAP cards. Off-Ramp producer Kevin Ferguson met with Metro's David Sutton--the head of the TAP program--inside the lab where TAP was developed, tested, and reworked.

Thanks to the inimitable LA Streetsblog for the idea.